Early in the year, Maple buds form.

New life quickens on the down swept branches.

As the days lengthen, kind spring warms the air,

gentle breezes rock leaf cradles, life stirs.

Fat buds bursting, blooms show, bright green.

Then leaves appear when warmth opens them.

Summer flows across the land, leaves

stretch out to drink the season’s energy.

Now the leaves dance, immense, dark green, lush.

Fall, Maple trees dress in red and orange.

Year’s work done, their golden wealth garnered,

wind will whisper, the leaves will flutter down.

Time for trees to sleep, leaves to rot away

feeding strong roots grasping the kindly earth.

 

 

David Garlick, Sidney, March, 2007